Grad 2018

Thirteen students graduated from Taylor Seminary on May 6, 2018, mainly with Master of Theological Studies or Master of Divinity degrees. The MTS is a 48-hour program, while the MDiv is a 77-hour program. Both attract students who are looking ahead to ministry, either as a vocation, or as a lay ministry opportunity while continuing to serve in another profession, or serving at home, in their community, or as a volunteer.

Not all students were able to attend -- one student missed Grad because he was getting married in Ontario -- but the above group shot was taken just before the ceremony at West Meadows Baptist Church.

At the Grad Ceremony, we heard from Valedictorian Stephen Epp, who also earned a Sonnenberg Leadership Award and the William Sturhahn Preaching Award. Our guest speaker was Dr. Gary Nelson, president of Tyndale University College and Seminary in Toronto. He told the grads that the most important question for them in ministry is, Who is your audience? Is it parents or peers, whose approval we seek? A parishioner? Dr. Nelson told them,

“The one lesson you should have learned at seminary is: Play your life to God.”

A celebration banquet on May 5th was the kickoff to the weekend celebration. One of the highlights of the banquet was a gift of walking sticks from the students who planned the banquet to the rest of the Class of 2018, a reminder of our pilgrimage with God. Our thanks to Stephen Epp ('18), Kent Dixon ('18) and Julie Heavenor ('18) who comprised the student planning committee.

Following is a list of scholarships and awards that were handed out at this year's Commencement Service:

Goltz Family Scholarship: $3000 (4 x $750)This scholarship is awarded to a full-time program student(s) who completed a minimum of 18 credits at Taylor Seminary, with the intention of entering Christian ministry, and has a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. This scholarship is based on the previous year’s academic performance. Recipients: 1. Julie Heavenor (Graduand) 2. Carol Henders (current student)3. LuAnne Birkholz (current student)4. Rodney Hennessey (current student)

Leadership AwardSonnenberg Leadership Scholarship: $2500 (5 x $500)Honoring a four (or five) students who have or are completing their second year of studies this year, in a degree program, who demonstrates giftedness/potential in the area of leadership and who is intending to enter the pastorate or missionary work.Recipients: Isaac Lee (current student)David Schneider (current student) Derrick Lee (Graduand) Kent Dixon (Graduand) Stephen Epp (Graduand)